Papers: Perot`s Dad Tried To End Son`s Navy Stay

to help his son win release from active duty in the Navy in 1955 after serving two years, according to documents at the LBJ Library.

In a reply to a dispatch from Perot`s father, also named Ross, an aide to the senator wrote, ``I wish to thank you for your letter of July 19th with reference to your son who desires to be released from active duty in the Navy.``

``I know how important this must be to him and, in the senator`s absence, I am anxious to be as helpful as possible,`` said administrative assistant Arthur Perry.

A spokeswoman said the library did not have the initial letter from Perot`s father to Johnson, who had been elected to the powerful post of Senate majority leader in January 1955. There is no further documentation on whether Johnson or his staff actually tried to obtain a release for Perot, who went on to serve a four-year obligation and left as a lieutenant.

The correspondence is the first indication a family member sought help from an elected official to intercede with the Navy on Perot`s behalf. He is considering an independent run for president.

Perot, through a spokeswoman, said that ``was 37 years ago`` and he has

``no recollection or specific knowledge of the letter.`` He previously has told interviewers about his disenchantment with some Navy procedures.

The spokeswoman, Sharon Holman, also said that Perot raised questions about his obligation because he said he signed up for a two-year tour that the Navy extended to four years.

Martha Thorn, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Naval Academy, said Tuesday that ``when Ross Perot graduated, his service obligation was four years.``

Told of Perot`s assertion that he originally signed up for a two-year obligation, Thorn said Wednesday: ``We`re researching that. We`re looking into that.``

Another Perot spokesman, James Squires, acknowledged that Perot had disagreements with the Navy but said they should not detract from the Dallas businessman`s image as a patriot.

Squires said Perot ``enjoyed the Navy, ships and going to sea. At the time he was in the Navy, promotions were based solely on seniority or `time in grade.` Mr. Perot wanted to work in an environment that promoted people based on merit and consideration.``

In the 1955 letter, Perry said that Johnson had no authority in matters relating to release from active duty.

``Nevertheless,`` he wrote, ``I am immediately getting in touch with the proper Navy officials here, in the senator`s name, in an effort to see what might be done to help.``